Traveling to Morocco is an adventure filled with vibrant markets, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. While many locals speak French or English, learning a few key phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) can go a long way in connecting with people and enhancing your experience. Whether you’re navigating a bustling souk, ordering a delicious tagine, or simply greeting someone with a smile, these phrases will help you communicate and connect with locals in a meaningful way. Here are seven essential phrases to pack on your Moroccan adventure!
Hello, Goodbye — Salam alaikum, Bislama
The phrase Salam alaikum translates to “peace be upon you.” This traditional Islamic greeting serves as “hello” in Morocco, often shortened to simply Salam in casual settings. You’ll hear it exchanged countless times daily between friends, family members, shopkeepers, and strangers alike.
When someone greets you with Salam alaikum, respond with Wa alaikum salam (and peace be upon you too).
For goodbyes, Moroccans use Bislama, which means “go with peace.”
How are you? — Ki dayr? Labess?
Ki dayr? (How are you?) and Labess? (Are you well?) are common greeting phrases that follow the initial Salam greeting. They are both questions and are often asked one after the other.
Both phrases are easy and versatile, with Labess doubling as both a question and a response. For instance:
- Questions: Ki dayr? Labess? (How are you? Are you well?)
- Answer: Labess alhamdu lillah (I’m fine, thank God).
This small but thoughtful exchange is a key part of Moroccan social etiquette and guarantees a smile from locals!
What’s your name? — Chnoo sameetik?
Chnoo sameetik (what’s your name?) is a frequent question Moroccans ask to show interest in talking to you. The response is Sameetee+name.
Names and their meaning in Arabic are an important aspect of Moroccan culture, so asking a person’s name and its meaning can be a great way to get to know a person during your travels.
Fatma: Chnoo sameetik? (What’s your name?)
Austin: Sameetee Austin, winti? (My name is Austin, and you?)
Fatma: Sameetee Fatma (my name is Fatma)
Austin: Mcharfin (nice to meet you)
Note: All “ch” sounds in this blog are pronounced like “sh” as in “she.”
Thank you/No thank you — Shukran/La shukran
Just like in English, you can use Shukran (thank you) whenever someone helps you, gives you something, or provides a service.
La, shukran (no thank you), on the other hand, is a polite but firm way to refuse help when dealing with persistent vendors or unwanted services. It politely communicates that you’re not interested.
Give me…please — Atteenee…afik
When shopping, ordering food, or requesting assistance, the phrase Atteenee is a polite way to ask for what you want. Atteenee (literally “give me…”) may sound too direct or impolite in English, but it’s a polite way to request something in Morocco. Atteenee can be used in countless situations where the person you’re interacting with might not understand or feel comfortable speaking English. Afik (please) adds even more politeness to your request, and Moroccans use it often.
Use Atteenee…
- at a store where you’d like the shopkeeper to hand you an item that’s out of your reach.
- pointing to an ice-cream you’d like to buy at a rest stop on your way to the Sahara.
- at a sidewalk café in the Essaouira medina, pointing to an item on the menu when the waiter comes to take your order.
A little…a lot — Showya…Bizzaf
Two handy and versatile words in everyday conversation in Morocco are “shwoya“ (a little) and “bizzaf“ (a lot). For instance, if you’re bargaining in a bustling souk and want a vendor to drop the price, you can say shwoya to ask for it to be “a little” cheaper. Or if a server asks you how much sugar you’d like in your Moroccan mint tea, you can say shwoya to indicate you want just a little bit.
On the other hand, after savoring a delicious tagine, you might say “bizzaf!” to express that you enjoyed it “a lot.” Or when a shopkeeper tells you the price of an item and it strikes you as too expensive you can exclaim “bizzaf!” to start a negotiation about price.
Whether you’re negotiating, complimenting, or just describing something, these words make interactions fun and engaging. They’re easy to remember and will earn you some smiles from locals!
Bishhal hadi afik? — How much is this, please?
This phrase is perfect for shopping in Morocco’s lively souks and stores. Simply point to the item you’re interested in and ask, Bishhal hadi afik? Adding afik (please) makes your question more polite. Bishhal? works particularly well when the seller can respond using hand gestures. If you’re curious about the price of additional items, you can say wa hadi? (and this one?) as needed.
Connecting in Morocco Through Language
Learning these seven phrases is a small step that can make a big difference during your Morocco travels. By greeting someone with Salam alaikum, asking Ki dayr?, or thanking them with Shukran, you’re not just communicating – you’re building bridges and showing respect for the local culture.
These phrases open doors for authentic interactions, enhance your experiences, and allow you to better connect with Moroccans in their diverse and vibrant culture. So pack your linguistic toolkit along with your bags, and don’t hesitate to use these phrases daily as you explore Morocco. Locals will appreciate your effort, and you’ll leave with priceless memories. Bislama (Go in peace) and happy travels!
Leave A Comment